Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Taania Khan, Columbia Business School by: Jeff Schmitt on November 28, 2023 | 2,114 Views November 28, 2023 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Taania Khan Columbia Business School ”Deep soul propelled by dreams, crafting impactful change; artist turning vibrant visions into an extraordinary life.” Hometown: Bay Area, California Fun Fact About Yourself: My name, “Taania,” originates from the Russian name “Tatiana,” which is derived from “Queen Tatiana,” signifying the queen of fairies. Undergraduate School and Major: Hofstra University, BA in International Business and Marketing Most Recent Employer and Job Title: CEO and Co-Founder of Khancept Development What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? New York City serves as an MBA haven, where the city’s dynamic industries nurture innovation, while unrivaled networks connect agile young minds with powerful leaders. Cultural immersion sharpens global acumen, and the fusion of academic mastery, swift networking, avant-garde industries, and cultural depth makes an NYC MBA an enriching, cutting-edge odyssey with endless opportunities for entrepreneurs and business students. Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? My gravitation towards Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum was anchored in the esteemed Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate. It stands as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment, fortifying the landscape of real estate through its robust financial infrastructure, thereby epitomizing a pursuit of excellence. Yet, the nucleus of my choice was the institution’s distinctive spirit – an embrace that transcends mere acceptance but reveres the singular essence of each individual. This sentiment fuses with the foundation of my personal narrative, cultivated against the backdrop of being nurtured by a resilient single mother, and attuned to the injustices inflicted upon women in disadvantaged countries. Columbia Business School’s unwavering embodiment of this spirit serves as a cornerstone for not only acceptance and empowerment but as a vibrant celebration of diversity. This harmonious blend of rigorous academic discourse intertwined with the tapestry of human variance yields leaders equipped to metamorphose adversities into transformational change. The indelible mark Columbia Business School leaves through its commitment to intellectual advancement, personal evolution, and spirited celebration of human plurality making it the nucleus in my journey for profound transformation and unwavering impact. What has been your first impression of the Columbia Business School MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best CBS story so far. My initial impressions of Columbia Business School’s MBA students and alumni sparked inspiration. A standout moment involves a fellow first-generation student, much like myself, setting out on this academic journey without established connections to master’s programs. Empowered by the potential of social media, particularly Twitter, I reached out to the void, seeking a conversation with CBS students. This initiative marked my quest to bridge this knowledge gap. While initially daunting, my connection with this CBS alum transformed into an engaging conversation, stretching beyond the anticipated time frame to a riveting 90 minutes. This interaction evolved into a transformative mentorship, culminating in a remarkable encounter with one of the most distinguished real estate scholars and professors at CBS. This anecdote encapsulates the inherent camaraderie thriving within the CBS community, emphasizing a network committed to sharing insights and uplifting peers. The evolution of an initially foreign alumnus into an integral mentor epitomizes CBS’s culture – a nurturing environment propelling dreams and aspirations. What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? The Arts Society at Columbia Business School resonates with my passion for cultural exploration and nurturing creativity, which I believe is vital for successful business entrepreneurs. Having lived in over 25 places, I’ve made it a point to immerse myself in diverse cultures and engaging in NYC’s arts scene through museums and theaters aligns with my holistic MBA vision, fostering growth intellectually and personally. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: A significant milestone in my career is founding an investment company that champions impact. This venture is driven by a strong dedication to humanitarian causes, STEM education, real estate, and advancing gender equality. What do you hope to do after graduation? First, I intend to establish a robust presence in the real estate sector, leading global development projects. Simultaneously, I’m firmly committed to funding a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing global humanitarian initiatives, with a steadfast aim to drive monumental positive change. What other MBA programs did you apply to? Stanford GSB Berkeley HAAS Chicago Booth Harvard Business School UCLA Anderson What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? My advice would be to trust the process. If Columbia Business School is your destined path, you’ll find your way. Connect with alumni and current students to align experiences. It’s essential to really know the school and all it has to offer – do thorough research, go to networking events, and beyond all – don’t be afraid to be your true and authentic self. Put your best foot forward, and remember, what’s meant for you won’t miss you – you’ll land exactly where you’re meant to be. DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2025